Ventricular Assist Device-Related Infections

Ventricular assist devices are important treatment modalities for end-stage heart failure patients because the demand for donor hearts far exceeds the supply. The incidence of ventricular assist device-related infections is 13-80%. Ventricular assist device-related infections cause significant morbidity and mortality. There are not yet clear recommendations about the definitions, diagnostic algorithms, treatment, and prophylaxis. Here, the diagnosis, clinical manifestations and therapeutic, and prophylactic approaches for ventricular assist device-related infections are discussed in light of the current literature